Gary Player is 5 foot, 7 inches and 150 pounds.

That is to say, his golf skills aren't entirely God-given.

Mr. Player, long ago dubbed Mr. Fitness, attributes his success on the course and in life to his pursuit of fitness.

At 73, he says, his quest for fitness has little to do with sports anymore. It's about health.

"I don't do it because I'm a professional sportsman. I want to be able to enjoy life with my grandchildren," said Mr. Player, who has 21 grandchildren.

"I would beat most 30-year-olds in a fitness test," he said. "The energy I have is such a blessing."

He says even recreational golfers can improve their game and quality of life with a bit of dedication to self-care.

Mr. Player offers these tips:

Take care of yourself

Extra weight dampens stamina and can alter your stance and swing. Adopting an active lifestyle can help, and golf is a great introduction to fitness.

"It's easier to get a camel though the eye of the needle than to get people to exercise," he said, "but we've all got to do it."

Warm up

A round of golf might not make for sweat-inducing, heart-rate raising exercise, but a proper warmup is still in order.

Stretch your calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, back, biceps, triceps and shoulders, holding each stretch without bouncing.

Train your core

Weight training is key to maintain the body. Focus on the core (crunches, leg lifts) to stabilize your movements on the course.

Walk the course

Skip the cart. Walking will keep your muscles warm and burn calories. Carrying your clubs as you walk can burn more than 300 calories an hour.

Teach your kids

Parents are in a unique position to teach their children to love exercise and activity. Take them on the course and learn together, Mr. Player said.

Pick up another sport

Mr. Player swims, rides horses, and plays soccer with his grandchildren.

Playing other sports challenges your body's strength and flexibility, which can improve your golf game, and keeps you active in case injury keeps you from golf.

Eat right

There's no sense in trying to play your best with a stomach full of fatty, nutrient-poor food, Mr. Player said.

"Stop serving white-bread rolls," he said. "You might as well eat the damn napkin."

Eat for energy and stamina, Mr. Player said. But don't bother breaking out the energy gels and protein bars for a casual afternoon on the course.

Drink plenty of water and eat healthy, balanced meals. Mr. Player starts his day with oatmeal and fruit, never dairy, and eats a 75 percent vegetarian diet.

"I've never had a glass of milk in my life," Mr. Player said. He opts for juicing his own blend of six or seven vegetables.

Have fun

Enjoy the game and don't take it too seriously. For most of us, there is no green jacket.

"You've got to keep yourself happy," Mr. Player said. "We should teach that in schools."